BAN Vs SA 1st Test | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

BAN vs SA 1st Test Preview [Source: icc-cricket.com]

Bangladesh will look to turn over a new leaf as they square off against South Africa in a two-match Test series, beginning with the first match on Monday, October 21, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

BAN vs SA 1st Test:  Team Previews

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Test journey this year has been a mixed bag. They reached cloud nine earlier with a dominant 2-0 series win over Pakistan away from home. However, their winning streak came to an abrupt halt when India handed them a 2-0 whitewash recently. With the home crowd rallying behind them, the Tigers will be keen to bounce back and roar once again.

The contest marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh cricket, as it will be their first Test series in the post-Shakib Al Hasan era. The talismanic all-rounder has been advised by the government to stay away from the country due to security concerns, leaving Bangladesh to find a way forward without their kingpin.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also made a swift change at the helm, showing Chandika Hathurusingha the door and bringing in Phil Simmons as the new head coach. Simmons faces an uphill battle as he tries to build a winning combination from scratch, especially with the massive void left by Shakib's absence.

The hosts have already called up Hasan Murad, a left-arm spinner, to fill in for Shakib. With three frontline spinners already in the squad, there’s a chance Bangladesh could field four tweakers, leaving them with a conundrum over whether to play four or five bowlers. It’s not an easy balancing act, but the team hopes they can come up with a formula that clicks.

South Africa

Meanwhile, South Africa are preparing for their first Test in Bangladesh in nearly a decade. They last played here in 2015 when rain had the final say in both Tests, ending them in draws.

The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, will be without Temba Bavuma, who is ruled out of the first Test with an elbow injury. Markram, along with Tony de Zorzi, will have to shoulder much of the batting burden, while youngsters David Briedingham and Tristan Stubbs will look to rise to the occasion in the middle order.

The Proteas’ bowling attack, spearheaded by Keshav Maharaj and supported by Kagiso Rabada, will be key to their success.

Rabada might be required to play a holding role, given the history of the Dhaka pitch, which has been known to turn into a spinner’s paradise as the match progresses. The Proteas will look to start the series on a winning note.

---

ALSO READ

'We Must Focus...,' Shanto Makes Bold Comment On Shakib Al Hasan's Absence In 1st Test Vs SA

---

BAN vs SA 1st Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

BAN vs SA 1st Test: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report

The Shere Bangla track often wears two hats. It offers good bounce and pace early on, with a bit of live grass making the first session of play a tricky one for batters. However, as the match unfolds, it starts slowing down, becoming a playground for the spinners. With the average first-innings score at 328, teams batting first tend to have the upper hand. Out of 27 matches played at this venue, 13 have been won by teams batting first, while 11 victories have gone to teams batting second. The toss will be crucial, and the captain calling it right will likely choose to bat first to make hay in the first two days.

BAN vs SA 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Murad Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed

South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickleton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Piedt, Lungi Ngidi

BAN vs SA 1st Test: Winner Prediction

Considering their recent form and familiarity with conditions, Bangladesh are favourites to win this clash.

---

ALSO READ

Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Mirpur Pitch Report For BAN Vs SA 1st Test

---